The Canadian passport photo size isn’t something you can overlook, because even the slightest mistake can lead to rejections and lengthy setbacks. The last thing you want is to miss a big trip. So what size is a passport photo supposed to be?
Don’t sweat it. Whether you’re looking for passport photos in Edmonton or passport photos in Calgary, we take the guesswork and stress out of the experience. Our service is backed by a 99.9% acceptance rate and a personal guarantee that we’ll get your photo approved.
Learn more about the requirements for the size of passport photos in Canada below, or just book your appointment at one of our locations today and we’ll handle everything from A to Z!
What Size is a Passport Photo?
So what size is a passport photo? This is a bit of a loaded question, as “size” can refer to a few things – actual dimensions, pixels, etc. There’s no room for error, so let’s break it all down.
Actual Passport Photo Dimensions
First, know that the finished photo must measure 50 mm wide x 70 mm high (or 2 inches wide x 2¾ inches tall). This is the final printed size – NOT the size before trimming.
The Head Size Within the Photo
The head size within the photo matters just as much as the outer dimensions. Your head should measure between 31 mm and 36 mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the crown. The head appearing too small or too large inside the frame will lead to rejections, even if the overall passport photo size is correct. Margins are super important!
Make sure there is plenty of clear space around your face, too. Your head should be perfectly centered within the photo. You need to be facing straight toward the camera, with equal space on both sides. The top of your head shouldn’t touch the edge of the photo, and your shoulders need to be visible. Cropping too tight or leaving too much empty space are common mistakes.
What About Digital Passport Photo Sizes?
Maybe you’re just uploading a digital passport photo. This is where working with the proper pixels matters more than physical dimensions. A properly sized Canadian passport photo is typically 420 x 540 pixels or larger, with the same 50 mm x 70 mm ratio.
As you can imagine, the photo has to be sharp, uncompressed, and unfiltered/unedited. We see a lot of people run into trouble when using phone apps, self-printing, or even online passport photo upload services.
Even if the picture looks perfectly fine on screen, the head size or margins may fall outside government limits once measured. Every millimetre counts.
Other Important Factors Beyond the Size of a Passport Photo
The proper passport photo size is just one piece of the puzzle. We’ve seen countless rejection reasons, from what you’re wearing to how the photo is taken and even what your face is doing. These are some other things you need to make sure are dialed in before submission.
Getting Your Attire Right
We have an entire guide on what to wear for passport photos. The key takeaway, though, is to keep things simple and plain.
Stick with solid, darker colors like navy, black, charcoal, or deep green. Light shirts blend into the white or light grey background. They can make your shoulders disappear, and that’ll surely prompt a passport photo rejection.
Busy patterns, large logos, or high-contrast stripes can distort under studio lighting and should be avoided, too. Your goal is to avoid making a statement with your clothing.
Strapless tops or wide collars can be problematic as well, because they make it look like you’re not wearing clothing at all once the photo is cropped.
Minimize Accessories
Small stud earrings might not be an issue, but big dangly hoops almost certainly will be. The same goes for necklaces or pendants. Basically, anything that distracts from the face is best left at home or, at the very least, taken off prior to getting your photo.
That means no hats, headbands, or other decorative hair accessories, either. The one exception is religious head coverings. These are permitted, but they still can’t cover your face at all.
Now, what about glasses? These are usually to be removed, even if they’re prescription glasses. They can cause reflections or glare in the photo.
Facial Expression and Posture
When it comes time to snap your photo, make sure you’re maintaining a neutral expression. That’s right – smiling is not allowed. Don’t raise your eyebrows or make any sort of exaggerated facial expression. This isn’t going on Instagram, don’t worry.
Your eyes have to be all the way open and clearly visible. Even a slight squint or half-smile can cause problems during review. Your head should be straight (not tilted, turned, or angled at all).
Your full face shape needs to be visible from chin to forehead. Hair covering the eyes, heavy bangs, or large volume that casts shadows can all cause issues. When in doubt, tie your hair up for the photo.
Lighting and Photo Quality
A photo won’t pass if it features facial shadows, uneven brightness, or shine on the skin. The image needs to be sharp, evenly lit, and free from filters or digital touch-ups. You cannot edit skin tone, smooth features, or adjust contrast after the photo is taken.
We get asked all the time, can you take your own passport photo? We usually answer with a question of our own. With so many variables at play, why bother? The experts in Canadian passport photos are here to take away the stress and guesswork.
Take the Stress Out of Passport Photos Today!
Passport photo rules in Canada leave very little room for error, but we boast a 99.9% acceptance rate across thousands of submitted photos. Leave the Canadian passport photo size requirements to us!
We run dedicated passport photo studios in Edmonton and Calgary, and this is the only service we provide – passport, visa, PR, and ID photos taken to exact government specifications. We consistently do it right.
So, how long do passport photos take with 5 Minute Passport Photos? As our name suggests, we can have you in and out lightning quick! Even if you don’t have an appointment, you won’t be stuck waiting around. But it’s still best to schedule an appointment if you have time.
Whether you’re looking for a citizenship photo vs passport photo, we can help. Get in touch today and take the next step with passport photos for as little as $20!
Parting Thoughts on the Canadian Passport Photo Size
So, what size is a passport photo supposed to be? Hopefully, our Canadian passport photo size guide has left you clear on the required dimensions and other aspects of taking your picture to guarantee approval.
Oh – and one other thing. Make sure the photo is recent. We get asked all the time, how long are passport photos good for? Usually, the picture needs to be taken within the last 6 months.
Don’t leave anything to chance. Visit 5 Minute Passport Photos in Edmonton or Calgary for a faster, stress-free experience and let us worry about the details so you can enjoy peace of mind.